A greenhouse gas reporting and management software system is being rolled out to an additional 11 bases, as part of the military's general move to lessen its environmental impact.
The Internet-based system, a product of Enviance, has been in place at Fort Carson in Colorado since June of 2008. Now it is being adopted at 11 other installations, in accordance with Executive Order 13423, which mandates federal agencies to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
The software allows users to centrally manage, in real time, all aspects of environmental, health and safety compliance and their greenhouse gas emissions, according to a press release. In addition to the military application, the software can be used in energy, utility, retail, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Based on the software-as-a-service model, the platform requires only a subscription and a computer with Internet access.
The additional bases adopting the Enviance software are: Fort Benning, Ga.; Letterkenny Army Depot, Pa.; Redstone Arsenal, Ala.; Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
At Fort Benning, the software is also being used to track a forest-based carbon sequestration project.
Over the past year, the military has made numerous advances in addressing its carbon footprint.
Aimed at increasing energy security, energy efficiency and cleaner alternative energy at U.S. military bases, GE was awarded $2 million in Federal stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for a smart microgrid demonstration project at the world’s largest Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms Base, in California.
The military is implementing several green initiatives including the use of alternative energy such as solar and wind that officials estimate could save millions, cut their heavy environmental boot-print and save lives in war zones where fuel convoys are frequent targets.
The testing ground for these green initiatives is Ft. Irwin in San Bernardino Country, which houses the Army’s training center for troops deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
